The multifaceted role of information and communication technology (ICT) in innovation: evidence from Chinese manufacturing firms

Using a sample of 1397 manufacturing firms in China, this study explores how information and communication technology (ICT) stimulates innovation performance through interaction with investment in internal and external knowledge. The results of this study reveal that the adoption of ICT not only contributes to innovation by directly enhancing its output, but also affects the creation of knowledge along two different paths in Chinese manufacturing firms. Specifically, ICT mediates research and development (R&D) to foster innovative sales and it is an effective moderator in leveraging externally acquired knowledge

B2B e-marketplaces in the airline industry:process drivers and performance indicators

Competitive pressures are increasing within and between different strategically oriented groups of airlines. This paper focuses on the level of efficiency improvements gained by using e-Marketplaces in the procurement process. Findings from a survey among 88 international airlines reveal that the use of Business-to-Business (B2B) e-Marketplaces does play different roles across the various airline groupings. Airlines that are involved in strategic alliances show higher joint procurement activities than airlines that are not involved in strategic alliances. However, alliances are probably viewed as loose arrangements and thus airlines may be reluctant to share information on procurement prices and processes with another airline that could also be acting as a competitor. The financial involvement in or initiation of e-Marketplaces by airlines is very low. Low cost airlines show high use of e-Marketplaces, but demonstrate little financial involvement in contrast. Overall, the categories of spares and repairs, office supplies, tools and ground support equipment (GSE) show the greatest potential for reducing costs and increasing procurement process efficiencies. The intense competitive pressures facing carriers will make their search for tools to realise even incremental savings and efficiency gains ever more urgent. There is evidence that e-Marketplaces are one tool to improve such performance indicators

The impacts of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and E-commerce on bilateral trade flows

This study examines the impact of Internet and e-commerce adoption on bilateral trade flows using a panel of 21 developing- and least-developed countries and 30 OECD countries. Given the commitment of East African Community (EAC) to become the frontrunner in export-led economy across the African continent, special attention is dedicated to analyse the role of ICT and e-commerce on EAC’s export performance. The empirical results indicate that better access to the modern ICT and adoption of e-commerce applications stimulate bilateral trade flows at various levels. The study notes that the efficient use of ICT equipped with high speed internet and secured servers is a crucial milestone for unlocking the e-trade potentials for developing- and least-developed counties

The determinants of electronic payment systems usage from consumers’ perspective

Electronic Payment Systems (EPS) have been improving individuals’ quality of life through providing ease of payment for online transactions. The effects of trust and security on the use of EPS have long been recognised in e-commerce literature. However, very few studies have examined these two concepts from the viewpoint of users. This study has developed a conceptual model to examine the determinants of perceived security and trust as well as the impact of perceived security and trust on the use of EPS. A sample of 299 respondents was analysed through structural equation modelling (SEM); the findings indicate that both perceived security and trust have a significant influence on EPS use. Technical protection and past experience have been found to be the common determinants of perceived security and trust. Managerial implications of the findings are discussed in light of the study’s limitations and suggestions for further research indicated

E-commerce ethics and its impact on buyer repurchase intentions and loyalty: an empirical study of small and medium Egyptian businesses

The theoretical understanding of e-commerce has received much attention over the years; however, relatively little focus has been directed towards e-commerce ethics, especially the SMEs B2B e-commerce aspect. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically test a framework that explains the impact of SMEs B2B e-commerce ethics on buyer repurchase intentions and loyalty. Using SEM to analyse the data collected from a sample of SME e-commerce firms in Egypt, the results indicate that buyers’ perceptions of supplier ethics construct is composed of six dimensions (security, non-deception, fulfilment/reliability, service recovery, shared value, and communication) and strongly predictive of online buyer repurchase intentions and loyalty. Furthermore, our results also show that reliability/fulfilment and non-deception are the most effective relationship-building dimensions. In addition, relationship quality has a positive effect on buyer repurchase intentions and loyalty. The results offer important implications for B2B e-commerce and are likely to stimulate further research in the area of relationship marketing

Contribution of CXCL12 secretion to invasion of breast cancer cells

The new millennium is characterized by speed and distribution in every aspect of most business and organization undertaking. Organizations are challenged to bring ideas and concepts to products and services in an ever-increasing pace. Companies distributed by space, time and capabilities come together to deliver products and solutions for which there is any need in the global marketplace